Dear Tabernacle Family,
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity! - Psalm 133:1 NKJV
This is a thank you letter to every one of you that make The Tabernacle so special and highly favored. A letter that has been written in my heart over the last 12 months and is now simply being documented. We are a church that has wrestled with what it means to live and love in unity across ethnic, cultural, political, and socioeconomic divides that are plaguing our nation and world. Thank you for pursuing Unity!
The year 2020 may not have been what we expected or hoped, but I believe with all of my heart, it has brought unity to The Tabernacle in an extraordinary way. God has brought us closer, deeper, and richer into love, hope, and zeal for Jesus of Nazareth. Our food pantry ministry has fed thousands of our brothers and sisters in Western New York through tens of thousands of meals throughout this year, highlighted by our Boxes of Love for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have donated hundreds of bags of clothing to Hearts for the Homeless. Dozens and dozens of gifts and toys were given away during our Fall Bash and Community Toy Drive, while our Virtual Bible School reached hundreds of children across our region. We have covered our region in worship, prayer, and intercession and have a bold vision for years to come to truly make The Tabernacle, His House, a house of prayer. For those that had ears to hear, Bishop Robert poured out his heart before us this year, preaching with a zeal that I’ve never seen before in my 20+ years of being with him. 2020 may have felt and looked different, but we were united to be Salt and Light.
Bishop Robert, The Tabernacle staff, and I want to thank you for your grace and discernment this year. I know it has not been easy to continually stay aware of regularly changing guidelines, executive orders, and COVID-19 updates. I’m the first to admit we haven’t been perfect in executing and communicating. Even so, you have had grace and understanding. I have heard so much feedback from so many of you and I’ve taken it to heart. We endeavor to honor each member of our congregation to the best of our ability and look forward to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in 2021 as we go forward.
All in all, you rock! I hope you read this and hear my sincere and profound appreciation for your continued support of The Tabernacle. Your faithfulness in tithing, volunteering, and prayer has sustained us. I have so much hunger and expectation for 2021. I know we are going to bring Heaven to Earth in Orchard Park.
With faith, hope, and most importantly love,
Pastor Joshua Ogle